Last August, Judge Block was scheduled to be interviewed by Stephen Colbert on the widely viewed Colbert Report. Because of the show’s large, hip, book-buying audience, the Colbert Report is generally regarded as one of the top publicity channels for authors of serious books. Legal luminaries who have recently appeared on the show include Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Emily Bazelon, and Jeffrey Toobin (who, incidentally, blurbed Disrobed).

Judge Block was all set to appear on the show. The date was selected. He had to send in copies of his book to the producers. They asked him how many tickets he wanted for the taping.

Then he got bumped — a not-uncommon occurrence in the world of television. He was given a new date to appear, October 2. The producers asked for additional copies of Disrobed, which Judge Block dutifully sent their way. They again asked him how many guests he expected to bring.

And then, on September 22, he got bumped again. The first Obama/Romney debate was scheduled for October 3, and the show’s producers wanted to have a segment related to the presidential debate.

Sadly, after getting bumped a second time, Judge Block was not rescheduled. When he inquired about the possibility of a new date, the producers told him they “can’t commit at this time” to having him on the show.

Now Judge Block wonders what he should do with the giant gavel that he got for Stephen Colbert, which he was going to present to Colbert on the air. The gavel reads, “Dear Stephen, Thank you for having me on your show. All My Best, Fred Block.” Check it out:

© Douglas Palmer

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